How to Install RAM on a MacBook Pro

Posted on July 16, 2016

If you are a MacBook Pro user and are using the latest applications on it, possibilities are that your MacBook Pro might work slowly after some time. It can be a bit troublesome for you if the system delays in launching new applications or is not able to load the videos at once etc. After all the hassles you have to go through, you might have given a thought of buying a new Mac.

But there is a way you can work around these problems. Rather than shelling out your precious money on a new MacBook Pro, you can just install more RAM on your MacBook Pro. If you are not confident enough to do it yourself, you can always hire a professional.

For those who hardly possess any information regarding MacBook units, Apple makes two types of MacBook models: The MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. MacBook Air has a default memory of 4GB and MacBook Pro has 8 GB. If you are still not satisfied with the speed, you can opt for a memory upgrade for the MacBook Pro.

But here is some bad news for those who use MacBook Air; on this laptop, you will not get an option to upgrade your Mac RAM. MacBook Pro users are totally fortunate as they can simply install RAM on a MacBook Pro by following a few simple steps.

Let’s show you how you can change or rather upgrade the RAM in your MacBook Pro. In the older MacBooks, RAM memory was located adjoining to the battery. Now you must be wondering if it is attached to the battery, then how can I add more to it? It is simple, just remove the battery and memory door and take on those tiny levers in order to gain access to the RAM.

While for MacBook Pro users, pull off the side cover and slide out the tray, place the RAM in the proper slot and you are good to go. However, if you are using an older Mac Pro, you will have to install the RAM in matched pairs. For better and detailed instructions, don’t forget to check the manual.

You need to take care of a couple of things while installing RAM on a MacBook Pro. Before starting the installation, always check that you have the correct RAM which should be compatible with the MacBook Pro you are using. The initial step is to shut down the computer and detach the power cables connected to the unit. Once you remove the back cover, you need to make sure that no electricity should pass through it. If you want to take extra precaution, you can wear an antistatic wrist strap which should be connected to the ground.

Many of the MacBook Pro users are not aware of the pros and cons of installing new RAM memory on their Macbooks. Before you make up your mind, you need to consider the pros and cons of it. Let us go through the pros and cons now:

Pros: Enhances Performance

Your MacBook Pro might operate very sluggishly when you are working with multiple applications or when numerous tabs are opened. This might delay your work completion. So is there a solution to it? The answer is an emphatic yes. The only resolution is upgrading the RAM in your MacBook Pro. It will also increase the startup time of your laptop from a minute to a few seconds.

Pros: No delays in work

Imagine your boss needs a particular work to be done in less time or today is the last day for submission of your project and you are struggling to complete it. In these scenarios, you will require a system with high RAM which can help you to complete the task in lesser time by providing you multitasking capabilities. Upgrading the RAM in the MacBook Pro is the ideal idea that will help you run multiple applications at the same time.

Cons: Cost

You will have to shell out some amount of money from your pocket if you really desire to do the Mac RAM upgrade. It can be even worse if you possess zero knowledge about the hardware part or are lacking in confidence while installing the RAM. In that case, you will be bound to pay additional fees to your local engineer to add RAM to MacBook Pro.

Cons: Removing the old Memory

In the process of upgrading the RAM, you are required to remove the old memory module and make space for the new card. A drawback of replacing the RAM is that you will now have a working memory module (if the memory module is not corrupt that is) that you will not be using anymore.

Well, that’s about it. If you are done with facing daily problems of sluggishness of your MacBook, then go ahead and get the memory upgraded.